"It feels as though those involved have worked closely together, and the overall effect is powerful. (...) Unheard undoubtedly succeeds in igniting discussions that should be had about stories that shouldn't be silenced." - A Younger Theatre
UNHEARD is a unique new writing festival exploring themes around sexual abuse and violence. The Festival will feature scratch performances of new short plays, rehearsed readings of new one-act and full length plays as well as a spoken word event and a one-woman-show. Furthermore, UNHEARD will also be presented in combination with three V-Day benefit performances of The Vagina Monologues.
  • Thursday 19th February at 3pm
The Thumbprint of Mukhtar Mai by Susan Yankowitz
directed by Victorine Pontillon, starring Subika Anwar
Mukhtar Mai, an illiterate woman from the poorest area of Pakistan, was gang-raped in 2002 in retribution for a so-called 'honour crime' committed by her 12 year old brother. Against all expectations, including her own, she became the first woman in her country to bring her rapists to justice.
The Kicking District by Christine Roberts
directed by Kasia Różycki, starring Kiran Sonia Sawar, Eleanor Dillon-Reams, Vanessa Young-Martins, Bridget Mastrocola, Steve Mace
The play focuses on the experiences of four women from very different backgrounds and age-spans. In the early scenes each woman represents a particular feature of the face. By focusing on the language of violence and not the direct emotion the play emphasises the revulsion and randomness of domestic abuse and attacks.
  • Thursday 19th February at 5pm
Maggie & Jinx written and directed by M G Stephens
starring Cory English & Eva Alexander
A brother and sister get together after a long absence. Neither one is comfortable with the other, as something clearly has happened in the past concerning abuse. But they keep probing one another until they come to a more or less acceptance of each other's lives, however flawed they may be.
  • Friday 20th February at 3pm
Eaten Voices by Lavinia Roberts
directed by Poppy Rowley, starring Jennie Eggleton, Ella Road, Joanna Harrington, James Askill
Eaten Voices is a play about a little girl Leona who is trapped in night. She meets a child, and decides that she must be the Moon’s Child. Together, they travel through night, a place of stories, song, dance, and mystery, heading towards day. As she gets closer to day, she remembers more of her past, and why she retreated into her subconscious to escape consciousness and past abuse.
  • Friday 20th February at 5pm
Doe by Rebecca Robinson, directed by Laura Kurlansky
starring Anouk Chalmers, Liberty Bavistock, Sophie Thompson, Oliva Popica, Rowan Douglas, Miranda Harrison, Lara Sloan
A group of seven women are briefly united to share their unique experiences of the same abuse. Are they victims? Or can they find their own strength after recovery from the trauma and suffering?
Doe is a feminine piece about rape told in three parts using an ensemble, who then portray individual characters during monologues. It follows the story arc of Doe, our protagonist, whose voice has initially been lost.